Method for locking an adjustment device of a motor vehicle seat, and motor vehicle seat

ABSTRACT

In a method for locking an adjustment device of a motor vehicle seat, a usage situation and/or danger situation is detected. In response to the detected usage situation and/or danger situation, a locking action for the adjustment device is selected, and the selected locking action for the adjustment device is executed.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of German Patent Application,Serial No. 10 2018 122 044.8, filed Sep. 10, 2018, pursuant to 35 U.S.C.119(a)-(d), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for locking an adjustmentdevice of a motor vehicle seat, and to a motor vehicle seat.

The following discussion of related art is provided to assist the readerin understanding the advantages of the invention, and is not to beconstrued as an admission that this related art is prior art to thisinvention.

Motor vehicle seats and the components thereof are adjustable in variousways, in such a way that a passenger can adjust the motor vehicle seatdepending on his body shape, body size and bodyweight. Adjustmentoptions of this type not only increase the comfort for the passenger,but also increase his safety in the event of an accident. For example,the adjustable-inclination backrest, a longitudinal adjustment system ofthe motor vehicle seat, a height adjustment system of the motor vehicleseat, an adjustment system for the angle of inclination of the seatsurface, a seat depth adjustment system, pivoting of the motor vehicleseat about the vertical axis thereof, headrests that are adjustable inthe longitudinal and vertical directions, and many more are possible.

In particular, in relation to autonomously controlled motor vehicles,rest positions of the motor vehicle seat can be set, in which forexample the backrest is adjusted into a virtually horizontal position orthe motor vehicle seat is pivoted about the vertical axis thereof insuch a way that a passenger faces the interior of the motor vehicle.These settings of the motor vehicle seat, which are individual to eachpassenger, can be stored as a configuration in a storage means in themotor vehicle. The passenger can thus select the configuration suited tohim before or upon entering the motor vehicle, and set the motor vehicleseat in the selected configuration automatically by way of the motoradjustment.

Usually, in motor vehicle seats that are adjustable in this manner, alocking system of the adjustment device primarily in the longitudinaldirection, known as a crash stop, is installed, and produces additionalstopping arresting of the motor vehicle seat during an accident. In thisway, it is ensured that the forces occurring in a crash are introducedinto the body of the motor vehicle, the motor vehicle seat is securelyheld and is not adjusted, and thus the belt restraint system and airbagsystem can optimally restrain the passenger.

Heretofore, conventional locking systems have mane shortcomings. Thelocking systems merely lock the vertical adjustment of the motor vehicleseat. Further components of the motor vehicle seat, such as thebackrest, which experiences strong forces in the event of a collision inthe longitudinal direction, are not locked. In addition, the type ofaccident (for example, side collision) and the intensity of the forcesacting on the motor vehicle seat and the passenger thereof are notdetected and taken into account. These are therefore not “smart” lockingsystems; in other words, they lock the vertical adjustment automaticallyin the event of an accident, independently of whether the motor vehicleseat is occupied by a passenger. The weight, size and age of thepassenger are also not detected.

It would therefore be desirable and advantageous to provide an improvedmethod for locking an adjustment device of a motor vehicle seat and animproved motor vehicle seat to obviate prior art shortcomings and tolock precisely a component or components of the motor vehicle seat so asto ensure protection for the passenger or passengers by discerning thetype of accident, the intensity of the forces acting on the motorvehicle seat, the orientation of the motor vehicle seat, occupancy, andthe weight, size and age of the passenger.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for lockingan adjustment device of a motor vehicle seat includes detecting a usagesituation and/or danger situation, selecting a locking action for theadjustment device; and carrying out the selected locking action for theadjustment device.

A method according to the invention for locking an adjustment device ofa motor vehicle seat has three method steps. In a first method step, ausage situation and/or danger situation is detected. In a second methodstep, a locking action for the adjustment device is selected. Thelocking action contains information as to which adjustment device islocked at what time. The locking action thus establishes the adjustmentdevice or devices that are locked and can no longer be moved at anestablished time. The selection is made on the basis of the dangersituation and the usage situation. Depending on the type of dangersituation and/or usage situation, the locking action is selected thatprovides the passenger of the motor vehicle seat with the best possibleprotection for the collision. In the third method step, the selectedlocking action for the adjustment device is carried out. Advantageously,optimization of energy management and of the deformation behavior of themotor vehicle seat is achieved and implemented by way of thesituation-based selection of the locking action.

In a simplest case, the usage situation includes the information ofwhether the motor vehicle seat is occupied by a passenger. The usagesituation also includes the information which motor vehicle seats in themotor vehicle are occupied. In particular, occupancy of the front andrear seats in the motor vehicle is detected. In the event that the motorvehicle seat is occupied, the seat situation and seat position of thepassenger are detected and thus become part of the usage situation.Thus, for example the situation of the seat longitudinal adjustmentsystem, the angle of inclination of the backrest, the position of theseat height adjustment system and/or the situation of the headrest aredetected. Moreover, the adjustment of the motor vehicle seat about thevertical axis thereof and an adjustment of the angle of inclination ofthe seat surface and the seat depth thereof can be detected.

The detection of a danger situation includes in particular theinformation of whether a collision is immediately imminent, this beingknown as a pre-crash situation. The danger situation may be a frontcollision, a rear collision and/or a side collision. The collision speedis also incorporated into the detection of the danger situation.

To detect the usage situation and the danger situation, the sensorsystems installed in the motor vehicle are accessed. The sensors may forexample be distance sensors, which also detect relative speeds, andsensors installed in the motor vehicle seat, which detect occupancy.

According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, theusage situation and/or danger situation can be analyzed. The detectedusage situation is analyzed together with the danger situation for thepossible threat to the passenger or passengers. The analysis of thedanger situation is carried out while taking into account the type ofaccident (front collision, rear collision, side collision) and thecollision speed. If for example a front collision is imminent, thepossible threat to the passengers is different than if a collision tothe rear of the motor vehicle is imminent. The analysis of the usagesituation is carried out in relation to the occupancy of the motorvehicle seats installed in the motor vehicle, in other words which motorvehicle seats are occupied and the position thereof in the motorvehicle.

According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, thelocking action can be selected in response to the analysis of thedetected usage situation and/or the detected danger situation. Theanalysis of the danger situation is carried out while taking intoaccount the type of the accident (for example front collision, rearcollision, side collision) and the collision speed. When for example afront collision is imminent, the possible threat to the passenger isdifferent than when a collision to the rear of the motor vehicle isimminent. The analysis of the usage situation is carried out in terms ofthe occupancy of the motor vehicle seats installed in the motor vehicle,in other words while motor vehicle seats are occupied and the positionthereof in the motor vehicle. The locking action is selected dependingon the type of danger situation and/or usage situation so as to providethe passenger of the motor vehicle seat with the greatest possibleprotection in the event of the collision.

According to another advantageous feature of the present invention,locking actions for two or more adjustment devices can be selected. Theanalysis of the detected usage situation and/or the detected dangersituation may have the result that a plurality of adjustment deviceshave to be locked so as to provide the passenger with optimumprotection, in particular when a plurality of passengers in the vehicleare occupying the motor vehicle seats. In this case, locking actions fora plurality of adjustment devices on one or more motor vehicle seats areselected.

According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, alocking condition for an adjustment device can be detected from thedetected usage situation and/or danger situation. The locking conditionincludes information as to at what time a particular locking action isactivated. This information is determined from the usage situation andthe danger situation. In the event of a collision, it may be expedientfor example to activate a particular adjustment device at a later timethan another adjustment device.

According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, thelocking device can be actuated. In a more advanced configuration of theinvention, the locking device can be actuated by a safety ECU(electronic control unit). The safety ECU is usually installed in themotor vehicle itself, and controls further safety devices installed inthe motor vehicle, for example the airbag and belt tensioners.

According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, thelocking action can be implemented electromagnetically, pyrotechnically,by motor and/or by means of a shape-memory alloy.

According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, theusage situation can be detected by detecting a person-specific feature.In a simplest case, the usage situation includes the information ofwhether the motor vehicle seat is occupied by a passenger. When themotor vehicle seat is occupied, the seat situation and seat position ofthe passenger are detected and thus become part of the usage situation.Thus, for example the situation of the seat longitudinal adjustmentsystem, the angle of inclination of the backrest, the position of theseat height adjustment system and/or the situation of the headrest canbe detected. Moreover, the adjustment of the motor vehicle seat aboutthe vertical axis thereof and an adjustment of the angle of inclinationof the seat surface and the seat depth thereof can be detected. Bydetecting person-specific features of the passenger or passengers,situation-based actuation of the locking device is implementedindividually for each passenger, in such a way that the greatestpossible safety of the passenger or passengers is provided.

According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, theperson-specific feature can include different classifications intoweight, size and/or age categories. In particular the weight and size ofthe passengers affect the usage situation. Greater inertia forces act ona heavier passenger than on a lighter passenger. The body size of thepassenger predominantly affects the situation of the head support. Theanalysis of the usage situation takes into account these person-specificfeatures of the passenger. The actuation of the locking device istherefore implemented individually for each passenger, in such a waythat the greatest possible safety of the passenger or passengers isprovided.

According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, theusage situation can be detected by detecting a position of a passengerin the motor vehicle. The usage situation includes the information ofwhich motor vehicle seats in the motor vehicle are occupied. Inparticular, occupancy of the front and rear seats in the motor vehicleis detected. When the motor vehicle seat is occupied, the seat situationand seat position of the occupant are detected and thus become part ofthe usage situation. Thus, for example the situation of the seatlongitudinal adjustment system, the angle of inclination of thebackrest, the position of the seat height adjustment system and/or thesituation of the headrest are detected. Moreover, the adjustment of themotor vehicle seat about the vertical axis thereof and an adjustment ofthe angle of inclination of the seat surface and the seat depth thereofcan be detected.

According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, whenthe position of the passenger is detected, a distinction can be madebetween the motor vehicle seat used by the passenger and the seatsituation or seat position of the passenger upon the respective motorvehicle seat. The usage situation includes the information of whichmotor vehicle seats in the motor vehicle are occupied. In particular,occupancy of the front and rear seats in the motor vehicle is detected.If the motor vehicle seat is occupied, the seat situation and seatposition of each individual passenger are detected and distinguishedfrom the occupancy. In this way, the optimum locking action can beselected individually for each motor vehicle seat.

According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, thedanger situation can be detected by classifying the danger situation.The data detected by the sensors installed in the motor vehicle areanalyzed for the type of danger situation and classified in the ECU. Inparticular, in the ECU it is analyzed and classified whether a collisionis immediately imminent, this being known as a pre-crash situation. Thedanger situation is classified in terms of the threat potential for thepassengers.

According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, thedanger situation can be classified by distinguishing a crash type. Thedanger situation may be a front collision, a rear collision, a collisionafter descending a slope and/or a side collision. In particular, in theECU it is analyzed and classified whether a collision is immediatelyimminent, this being known as a pre-crash situation. The dangersituation is classified in terms of the threat potential for thepassengers.

According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, theclassification of the danger situation can distinguish betweenpre-crash, front crash, rear crash, side impact and/or collision speeds.The collision speed is also analyzed and classified. Thus, for example,for a higher collision speed, a higher threat potential is to be assumedfor the passenger of the motor vehicle seat than for lower collisionspeeds.

In a refinement of the present invention, crash situations may alsooccur in which it is most favorable for the risk of injury to thepassenger if only the locking systems on one side of the motor vehicleseat are actuated, but the locking systems on the other side of themotor vehicle seat remain unlocked.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a motor vehicleseat, includes a seat component, an adjustment device for adjusting theseat component, said adjustment device including a locking device, andan ECU configured for actuating the locking device.

A motor vehicle seat according to the invention for motor vehicles hasan adjustment device for adjusting a seat component. For example, theadjustable-inclination backrest, a longitudinal adjustment system of themotor vehicle seat, a height adjustment system of the motor vehicleseat, an adjustment system for the angle of inclination of the seatsurface, a seat depth adjustment system, pivoting of the motor vehicleseat about the vertical axis thereof, and headrests that are adjustablein the longitudinal and vertical directions are possible.

According to the present invention, the adjustment device has a lockingdevice, which can be actuated by means of an ECU. When large forcesoccur for example during an accident, the adjustment device is lockedrigidly in such a way that the forces occurring in a crash areintroduced into the body of the motor vehicle, the motor vehicle seat issecurely held and is not adjusted, and thus the belt restraint systemand airbag system can optimally restrain the passenger. As a result ofthe actuation by means of an ECU, the adjustment device that providesthe passenger of the motor vehicle seat with the greatest possibleprotection in the event of a collision is locked.

According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, themotor vehicle seat can have two or more adjustment devices, which eachhave a locking device, with the locking devices being actuable by one ormore ECUs. The analysis of the detected usage situation and/or thedetected danger situation by means of the ECUs may have the result thata plurality of adjustment devices have to be locked so as to provide thepassenger with optimum protection, in particular when a plurality ofpassengers in the vehicle are occupying the motor vehicle seats. In thiscase, locking actions for a plurality of adjustment devices on one ormore motor vehicle seats are selected.

According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, thelocking devices can be actuated separately from one another by one ormore ECUs using different control commands. The analysis of the detectedusage situation and/or the detected danger situation by means of theECUs may have the result that a plurality of adjustment devices has tobe locked so as to provide the passenger with optimum protection. Inthis case, locking actions for a plurality of adjustment devices on oneor more motor vehicle seats are selected separately from one another.

According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, thelocking device can be formed as an electric, electromagnetic,pyrotechnic or motor-driven actuator and/or formed from a shape-memoryalloy.

According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, themotor vehicle seat and/or the motor vehicle can have sensors by means ofwhich the size, the weight and/or the seat position of passengers and/orthe seat occupancy are detectable. In particular the weight and size ofthe passenger affect the usage situation. Greater inertia forces act ona heavier passenger than on a lighter passenger. The body size of thepassenger predominantly affects the situation of the head support. Thesensors detect these person-specific features of the passenger. Theactuation of the locking device is therefore implemented individuallyfor each passenger, in such a way that the greatest possible safety ofthe passenger or passengers is provided.

According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, themotor vehicle can have sensors by means of which danger situations canbe distinguished. To detect the danger situation, sensor systemsinstalled in the motor vehicle are accessed. The sensors may for examplebe distance sensors, which also detect relative speeds.

According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, thedistinguishable danger situations include pre-crash, front-crash, rearcrash, side impact and/or collision speeds. When for example a frontcollision is imminent, the possible thread to the passenger is differentthan when a collision to the rear of the motor vehicle is imminent.Likewise, for a higher collision speed, a higher threat potential is tobe assumed for the passenger of the motor vehicle seat than for lowercollision speeds. The locking action is selected depending on the typeof danger situation so as to provide the passenger of the motor vehicleseat with the greatest possible protection in the event of thecollision.

According to another advantageous feature of the present invention, themotor vehicle and/or the motor vehicle seat can have an ECU, by means ofwhich a control command for locking can be generated for a lockingdevice on the basis of the existing danger situation and/or usagesituation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be morereadily apparent upon reading the following description of currentlypreferred exemplified embodiments of the invention with reference to theaccompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a method for locking anadjustment device in a motor vehicle in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a method for lockingan adjustment device in a motor vehicle in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 3a is a schematic side view of a motor vehicle seat according tothe invention during a rear collision and backrest upright;

FIG. 3b is a schematic side view of a motor vehicle seat according tothe invention during a front collision and backrest upright;

FIG. 4a is a schematic side view of a motor vehicle seat according tothe invention during a front collision at a high angle of inclination ofthe backrest and low collision speed;

FIG. 4b is a schematic side view of a motor vehicle seat according tothe invention during a front collision at a low angle of inclination ofthe backrest and low collision speed;

FIG. 5a is a schematic side view of a motor vehicle seat according tothe invention during a rear collision at a low angle of inclination ofthe backrest and low collision speed;

FIG. 5b is a schematic side view of a motor vehicle seat according tothe invention during a rear collision at a high angle of inclination ofthe backrest and low collision speed;

FIG. 6a is a schematic side view of a motor vehicle seat according tothe invention in the event of a pre-crash at a medium angle ofinclination of the backrest and low collision speed; and

FIG. 6b is a schematic side view of a motor vehicle seat according tothe invention during a front collision at a medium angle of inclinationof the backrest and low collision speed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Throughout all the figures, same or corresponding elements may generallybe indicated by same reference numerals. These depicted embodiments areto be understood as illustrative of the invention and not as limiting inany way. It should also be understood that the figures are notnecessarily to scale and that the embodiments may be illustrated bygraphic symbols, phantom lines, diagrammatic representations andfragmentary views. In certain instances, details which are not necessaryfor an understanding of the present invention or which render otherdetails difficult to perceive may have been omitted.

Turning now to the drawing, and in particular to FIG. 1, there is showna block diagram of one embodiment of a method for locking an adjustmentdevice in a motor vehicle 1 in accordance with the present invention.The motor vehicle 1 has two sensors S1, S2, which each detect a regionin front of and behind the motor vehicle 1 and are configured asdistance and speed sensors. The data detected by the sensors S1, S2 arepassed from the sensors S1, S2 to the ECU 3 and checked for a possibledanger situation in the ECU 3. The ECU 3 is connected to a lockingdevice V1 in the motor vehicle seat 2 via a data connection, andactuates said device.

A method according to the invention for locking an adjustment device V1of a motor vehicle seat 2 is implemented in three steps. In a firstmethod step, a danger situation is detected. For this purpose, the datadetected by the sensors S1, S2 are analyzed in the ECU 3, in particularas to whether a danger situation is present and which one. The datadetected by the sensors S1, S2 are analyzed and classified in the ECU 3for the type of danger situation. In particular, in the ECU 3 it isanalyzed and classified whether a collision is immediately imminent,this being known as a pre-crash situation. The danger situation may be afront collision, a rear collision and/or a side collision. The collisionspeed is also analyzed and classified. Thus, for example, for a highercollision speed, a higher threat potential is to be assumed for thepassenger of the motor vehicle seat 2 than for lower collision speeds.

In a second method step, the locking action for the adjustment device isselected by means of the ECU 3 on the basis of the classification of thedanger situation. Depending on the type of danger situation and thecollision speed, the locking action is selected that provides theoccupant of the motor vehicle seat 2 with the greatest possibleprotection in the event of a collision.

In a third method step, the selected locking action for the adjustmentdevice is carried out. For this purpose, the ECU 3 actuates the actuatorof the locking device V1. The actuator moves the locking device V1electromagnetically, pyrotechnically, by motor and/or by means of ashape-memory alloy.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of another embodiment of a method forlocking an adjustment device in a motor vehicle 1 in accordance with thepresent invention. Parts corresponding with those in FIG. 1 are denotedby identical reference numerals and not explained again. The descriptionbelow will center on the differences between the embodiments. In thisembodiment, the motor vehicle 1 uses three sensors S1, S2, S3 and twolocking devices V1, V2, with the two sensors S1, S2 configured, forexample, to detect a region in front of and behind the motor vehicle 1respectively and configured as distance sensors. The data detected bythe sensors S1, S2 are passed from the sensors S1, S2 to the ECU 3checked in the ECU 3 for a possible danger situation. The third sensorS3 is installed in the motor vehicle seat 2 itself and detects data ofthe usage situation of the motor vehicle seat 2 and passes them to theECU 3. The ECU 3 is connected to the two locking devices V1, V2 in themotor vehicle seat 2 via a data connection, and actuates the lockingdevices V1, V2.

In accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 2, a method according to theinvention for locking the adjustment devices V1, V2 of a motor vehicleseat 2 is also implemented in three steps. In a first method step, adanger situation is detected. For this purpose, the data detected by thesensors S1, S2 are analyzed in the ECU 3, in particular as to whether adanger situation is present and which one. The data detected by sensorsS1, S2 are analyzed and classified in the ECU 3 for the type of dangersituation. In particular, in the ECU 3 it is analyzed and classifiedwhether a collision is immediately imminent, this being known as apre-crash situation. The danger situation may be a front collision, arear collision and/or a side collision. The collision speed is alsoanalyzed and classified.

The sensor S3 detects the usage situation of the motor vehicle seat andpasses this to the ECU 3. In a simplest case, the usage situationincludes the information of whether the motor vehicle seat 2 is occupiedby a passenger. The usage situation also includes the information ofwhich motor vehicle seats 2 in the motor vehicle 1 are occupied. Inparticular, occupancy of the front and rear seats in the motor vehicle 1is detected. In the event that the motor vehicle seat 2 is occupied, theseat situation and seat position of the passenger are detected by meansof the sensor S3 and thus become part of the usage situation. Thus, forexample the situation of the seat longitudinal adjustment system 10, theangle of inclination of the backrest 5, the position of the seat heightadjustment system 9 and/or the situation of the headrest 4 are detected.Moreover, the adjustment of the motor vehicle seat 2 about the verticalaxis thereof and an adjustment of the angle of inclination of the seatsurface 6 and the seat depth thereof can be detected.

In addition, person-specific features of the passenger are detected andclassified. The person-specific features include in particular weight,size and age specifications of the passenger. These detected data arepassed from the sensor S3 to the ECU 3 and are part of the usagesituation. In the ECU 3, the danger situation and the usage situationare analyzed and classified in terms of the threat potential for thepassenger. When the usage situation is such that the motor vehicle seats2 in the second row of the motor vehicle 1 are occupied by passengers,generally speaking all locking devices V1, V2 are locked. It has beenfound that injuries are reduced for passengers in the second row in thiscase.

In a second method step, the locking action for the adjustment devicesis selected by means of the ECU 3 on the basis of the classification ofdanger situation and the usage situation. Depending on the type ofdanger situation, usage situation and collision speed, the lockingaction is selected that provides the passenger of the motor vehicle seat2 with the greatest possible protection in the event of a collision.Thus, it is possible for both locking devices V1, V2, only one lockingdevice (V1 or V2), or neither of the locking devices V1, V2 to beselected. Moreover, the locking devices V1, V2 may be selected with atime offset from one another.

In a third method step, the selected locking action for the adjustmentdevice is carried out. For this purpose, the ECU 3 actuates theassociated actuator or actuators of the locking devices V1, V2 that wereselected as a locking action in the second method step. The actuatormoves one or both locking devices V1, V2 electromagnetically,pyrotechnically, by motor and/or by means of a shape-memory alloy.

FIGS. 3a and 3b show side views of a motor vehicle seat 2 according tothe invention, which is exposed to a rear collision (FIG. 3a ) and to afront impact at a high collision speed (FIG. 3b ). The motor vehicleseat 2 has a seat surface 6, an adjustment system 8 of the backrestinclination and a headrest 4. In this embodiment, theadjustable-inclination backrest 5 is in the upright position. The motorvehicle seat 2 is connected to the floor of the motor vehicle 1 via aseat longitudinal adjustment system 10, which has an upper rail 10.1 anda lower rail 10.2. The seat height adjustment system 9 has a rear 9.1and a front kinematic system 9.2. In this embodiment, the seat heightadjustment system 9 has the locking device V1, the adjustment system forthe backrest inclination 8, and the locking device V2.

In a rear collision (FIG. 3a ), the force action F affects the motorvehicle seat 2 from the rear. In this scenario, the locking devices V1,V2 are not locked. It has been found that the risk of injury, forexample the danger of whiplash, is lowest for the passenger. As a resultof the locking, the rotational movement of the passenger's pelvis isminimized. Complete locking would have a negative influence on thebehavior of the structure of the motor vehicle seat 2 in the event of arear impact at low speeds. The low energy input into the structure ofthe motor vehicle seat 2 would have negatively affect the bone structureof the passenger in the event of whiplash.

In the event of a front collision (FIG. 3b ), the force action F affectsthe motor vehicle seat 2 from the front. In this scenario, the lockingdevice of the seat height adjustment system V1 is locked, but theadjustment system for the backrest inclination 8 is not locked by theadjustment device V2. As a result of this action, the collision energyis dissipated in the kinematics 9.1, 9.2 of the seat height adjustmentsystem 9. It has been found that the spinal compression of the passengeris lowest as a result of this action.

FIGS. 4a and 4b are side views of a motor vehicle seat 2 according tothe invention, which is exposed to a front collision at a low (FIG. 4a )and a high (FIG. 4b ) angle of inclination of the backrest 5 and a lowcollision speed. The motor vehicle seat 2 has a seat surface 6, anadjustment system 8 for the backrest inclination, and a headrest 4, aswell as an adjustable-inclination backrest 5. The motor vehicle seat 2is connected to the floor of the motor vehicle 1 via a seat longitudinaladjustment system 10, which has an upper rail 10.1 and a lower rail10.2. The seat height adjustment system 9 has a rear 9.1 and a frontkinematic system 9.2. In this embodiment, the seat height adjustmentsystem 9 has the locking device V1, the adjustment system for thebackrest inclination 8, and the locking device V2. In this embodiment,the force action F affects the motor vehicle seat 2 from the front, andthe collision speed is low.

When the backrest 5 is upright (FIG. 4a ), locking devices V1, V2 arenot locked in this scenario. It has been found that the risk of injury,for example the danger of whiplash, is lowest for the passenger. At ahigh angle of inclination of the backrest 5 (FIG. 4b ), for example in arest position of the motor vehicle seat 2, the locking devices V1, V2are locked. The danger of the passenger sliding through under the beltrestraint system is thus reduced, and the belt restraint system canbetter restrain the passenger.

FIGS. 5a and 5b are side views of a motor vehicle seat 2 according tothe invention, which is exposed to a rear collision at a low (FIG. 5a )and a high (FIG. 5b ) angle of inclination of the backrest 5 and a lowcollision speed. The motor vehicle seat 2 has a seat surface 6, anadjustment system 8, and a headrest 4, as well as anadjustable-inclination backrest 5. The motor vehicle seat 2 is connectedto the floor of the motor vehicle 1 via a seat longitudinal adjustmentsystem 10, which has an upper rail 10.1 and a lower rail 10.2. The seatheight adjustment system 9 has a rear 9.1 and a front kinematic system9.2. In this embodiment, the seat height adjustment system 9 has thelocking device V1, the adjustment system for the backrest inclination 8,and the locking device V2. In this embodiment, the force action Faffects the motor vehicle seat 2 from the front, and the collision speedis low.

When the backrest 5 is upright (FIG. 5a ), locking devices V1, V2 arenot locked in this scenario. It has been found that the risk of injury,for example the danger of whiplash, is lowest for the passenger. As aresult of the locking, the rotational movement of the passenger's pelvisis minimized. Complete locking would have a negative influence on thebehavior of the structure of the motor vehicle seat 2 in the event of arear impact. The low energy input into the structure of the motorvehicle seat 2 would negatively affect the bone structure of thepassenger in the event of whiplash. At a high angle of inclination ofthe backrest 5 (FIG. 5b ), for example in a rest position of the motorvehicle seat 2, the locking devices V1, V2 are locked. The danger of thepassenger sliding through under the belt restraint system is thusreduced, and the belt restraint system can better restrain thepassenger.

FIGS. 6a and 6b are side views of a motor vehicle seat 2 according tothe invention in the pre-crash situation (FIG. 6a ) and during a frontcollision (FIG. 6b ) at an average angle of inclination of the backrest5 and a low collision speed. The motor vehicle seat 2 has a seat surface6, an adjustment system 8, and a headrest 4, as well as anadjustable-inclination backrest 5. The motor vehicle seat 2 is connectedto the floor of the motor vehicle 1 via a seat longitudinal adjustmentsystem 10, which has an upper rail 10.1 and a lower rail 10.2. The seatheight adjustment system 9 has a rear 9.1 and a front kinematic system9.2. In this embodiment, the seat height adjustment system 9 has thelocking device V1, the adjustment system for the backrest inclination 8,and the locking device V2. In this embodiment, the force action Faffects the motor vehicle seat 2 from the front, and the collision speedis low.

In the pre-crash situation (FIG. 6a ), conventionally the backrest 5 isadjusted into the upright position through an angle of 10° by motor 200ms before the front collision. 20 ms after the start of the accident(FIG. 6b ), both locking devices V1, V2 are locked. The danger of thepassenger sliding through under the belt restraint system is thusreduced, and the belt restraint system can better restrain thepassenger. Likewise, in the pre-crash situation (FIG. 6a ), theadjustment system for the angle of inclination (not shown) of the seatsupport (6) can be adjusted upward through an angle of 10° 200 ms beforethe front collision. 20 ms before the start of the accident (FIG. 6b ),both locking devices V1, V2 are locked. The danger of the passengersliding through under the belt restraint system is thus reduced, and thebelt restraint system can better restrain the passenger.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in connectionwith currently preferred embodiments shown and described in detail, itis not intended to be limited to the details shown since variousmodifications and structural changes may be made without departing inany way from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principlesof the invention and practical application to thereby enable a personskilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodimentswith various modifications as are suited to the particular usecontemplated.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent isset forth in the appended claims and includes equivalents of theelements recited therein:

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for locking an adjustment device of amotor vehicle seat, said method comprising: detecting a usage situationand/or danger situation; selecting a locking action for the adjustmentdevice; and carrying out the selected locking action for the adjustmentdevice.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising analyzing the usagesituation and/or danger situation
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein thelocking action is selected in response to the analysis of the detectedusage situation and/or the detected danger situation.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein locking actions for two or more adjustment devices areselected.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising detecting alocking condition for the adjustment device from the detected usagesituation and/or danger situation.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising actuating the locking device.
 7. The method of claim 6,wherein the locking device is actuated by a safety ECU.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the locking action is implemented electromagnetically,pyrotechnically, by motor and/or via a memory metal.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the usage situation is detected by detecting aperson-specific feature.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein theperson-specific feature includes different classifications into weight,size and/or age categories.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the usagesituation is detected by detecting a position of a passenger in themotor vehicle.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein when the position ofthe passenger is detected, a distinction is made between the motorvehicle seat used by the passenger and a seat situation or seat positionof the passenger upon the motor vehicle seat.
 13. The method of claim 1,wherein the danger situation is detected by classifying the dangersituation.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the danger situation isclassified by distinguishing a crash type.
 15. The method of claim 13,wherein the danger situation is classified by distinguishing the crashtype between a pre-crash, front crash, rear crash, side impact and/orcollision speed.
 16. A motor vehicle seat, comprising: a seat component;an adjustment device for adjusting the seat component, said adjustmentdevice including a locking device; and an ECU configured for actuatingthe locking device.
 17. The motor vehicle seat of claim 16, furthercomprising two or more of said adjustment device, said ECU configured toactuate each locking device of the adjustment devices.
 18. The motorvehicle seat of claim 16, further comprising two or more of saidadjustment device and two or more of said ECU for actuating the lockingdevices of the adjustment devices, respectively.
 19. The motor vehicleseat of claim 17, wherein the locking devices are actuatable separatelyfrom one another by the ECU using different control commands.
 20. Themotor vehicle seat of claim 17, wherein the locking devices areactuatable separately from one another by the ECUs using differentcontrol commands.
 21. The motor vehicle seat of claim 18, wherein thelocking device is formed as an electric, electromagnetic, pyrotechnic ormotor-driven actuator and/or formed from a shape-memory alloy.
 22. Themotor vehicle seat of claim 18, further comprising a sensor configuredto detect a size, weight and/or a seat position of a passenger and/or aseat occupancy.
 23. The motor vehicle of claim 16, wherein the ECU isconfigured to generate a control command for activating the lockingdevice in response to an existing danger situation and/or usagesituation.
 24. A motor vehicle, comprising: a motor vehicle seatcomprising a seat component, an adjustment device for adjusting the seatcomponent, said adjustment device including a locking device, and an ECUconfigured for actuating the locking device; and a sensor configured todetect a size, weight and/or a seat position of a passenger and/or aseat occupancy.
 25. The motor vehicle of claim 24, further comprising afurther sensor configured to distinguish between danger situations. 26.The motor vehicle of claim 25, wherein the danger situations aredistinguished between pre-crash, front crash, rear crash, side impactand/or collision speed.
 27. The motor vehicle of claim 24, wherein theECU is configured to generate a control command for activating thelocking device on the basis of an existing danger situation and/or usagesituation.